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08 Greener / Jeff Green Little Preludes No. 2 (BWV 934) & No. 4 (BWV 936), BachJeff, these are impressive performances. Bach is a challenge, and you are obviously up to that challenge. You take two very beautiful and complex works, and you bring out the full textures in the music. Just wonderful.

09 Riddler / Ed Chelsea Bridge, Billy StrayhornEd, this is beautiful. I have always enjoyed this piece. Your arrangement is textured and lush bringing out the best in Strayhorn's melody and adding your own personal touches. A real treat.

10 timmyab Arabesque no 1, DebussyYour playing sounds relaxed and fluid as befits the piece. Excellent work on the dynamics, and just an overall polished performance. This piece always puts me in mind of a little stream tumbling gently over rocks in a picturesque setting. Your performance of it put a smile on my face.

11 Mr Super-Hunky Nothing Else Matters James Hetfield, Lars UlrichI'm not a Metallica fan and have not heard this before. I like your version a great deal. Very nicely done, Bernie. Your arrangement is melodious and lush. Another tasty musical treat.

12 Jake S Prelude no.4 in E minor, ChopinJake, this is a remarkable performance. Particularly so for one who has been playing for only 10 months. Nice dramatic dynamics that bring out the full emotion of this beautiful piece. Well done indeed.

13 Wj3 / Walt Bethena, Scott JoplinThis doesn't sound like it was simplified all that much, Walt. You turned in a nice performance here. Quite an enjoyable listen.

18. cgyan / Iain - Morning Light Great playing (as usual), and I liked the extra effort you put into your visual effects - great production!

19. Jazztpt (Russ) - You See - Clearly I see that I have no jazz experience to offer any sort of reliable opinion. But when I listen to jazz, I don't expect the sort of aggressiveness that I hear in this piece!

On a technical level, you're very well trained and talented.

But by the end, from a listening perspective, my eyes were wide open and I was wondering where to bury the bodies!

Perhaps that is the reaction that you wanted. If so - you nailed it!

20. Inlanding - Glen - Angle Eye and Morning Greets the New Day - Glen playing with others - *head explodes* I'm really looking forward to more of this!

21. Andy Platt - Gavotte and Variations - This started so slow, and I thought to myself "haha, I'm totally gonna catch up to Andy now". And then you started playing quickly.

And then slowly - with more complicated variations. *slaps forehead*

I'm continually impressed - well done!

22. CASINITALY (Cheryl) - Romanza and The Little Music Box - You Tube now? - yay! I don't know the Music Box, but I did play Steibelt's piece along the way. I loved both your playing and your graphical representation of this.

I'm on the road ( I'm showing my paintings at the Paradise City art show in Marlborough Ma. If any of you all are in the area come by and say hi) with just my iPhone to access the web so I won't be able to listen till next week, it looks to be an awesome recital !!

Hey Peyton. Give me some time. I'll put all the recital files in "box.com" site to share with you (i think you can listen them with iPhone, right?)Meanwhile, I have had a terrible day at office, so I'm going to listen this recital only this weekend.

Carlos, you are a champ but don't worry about me. I should have plenty of Time to listen when I get home next week. Hearing the pieces on the phone does not do them much justice anyway.

Sam, I took the fall board off to tune the piano and, just to be different, left it off for the video.

01. CarlosCC - Canzone Popolare (Francia 1500ca) - Original extended coverYour piano has a celeste-like quality in the opening measures. This is a remarkably listenable composition.

02. jaredm2012 Jared Miller - To ZanarkandI had to go back and check to make sure I had read your write-up correctly – Playing only 5 months?? Wow! You are very talented. I look forward to hearing more from you in the future.

03. cebukid - Bach Invention 1 in C-Major (BWV 772)I admire not only your considerable piano skills but also your powers of concentration. I love the high energy you bring to this piece. Very well done.

04. Peyton - Message From Space: Waiting for the SunI listened to the entire piece was impressed with both your pianistic skills and your ability to create such vivid images with your music.

Delicate, sensitive and under full control - reflective and nostalgic...

37. TrapperJohn - I'll Be Seeing You

You should take Jotur up on her offer to play a gig at a geezer's home - before you're in a home waiting to be gigged

39. Ganddalf - Prelude Op.45

Accomplished with the intricate skill that only comes with advancing wisdom & maturity - and at 62 you're a relative "youngster" with some potential for noticeable improvement (you're just to young to realize this yet )

_________________________
Every difficulty slurred over will be a ghost to disturb your repose later on. Frederic Chopin

09. Riddler (Ed) - Chelsea BridgeYou can always be counted on to bring professional sounding works to the recitals – this is no exception. You have just the right amount of cool swing and attitude in your performance. Nice.

Nice cover Carlos! This is a very solemn and contemplative piece. I enjoyed it a lot, and the work you put in really shows. 

02. jaredm2012 Jared Miller - To Zanarkand

Nice work Jared. This piece reminds me of a green meadow. Video game pieces like this one are hidden gems, and it’s good to see you stepping outside the realm of Alfred books. 

03. cebukid - Bach Invention 1 in C-Major (BWV 772)

BLAH!! Bad recording quality, but this recording reflects what is my life these days – a part-time single parent (my wife works nights) trying to sneak piano in when I can..lol.

04. Peyton - Message From Space: Waiting for the Sun

I enjoyed the your first Message from Space too..this one is a nice follow-up, and the title is befitting. It sounds like like a prelude to something big with a nice climactic ending where the aliens finally actually *do* see the sun. Such interesting, and at times, jazzy sounding melodies.

05. wouter79 - Les Baricades Misterieuses

wouter79, I have to admit – your playing has really matured! You are a true student of this instrument and it shows with your playing that keeps getting better. Keep it up! PS-nice sound piano!

I love Bach! You did great on these preludes. Thanks for the historical description on these too. Aside from being a great composer, Bach seemed like he was a great teacher too. Pieces like these, and the Inventions, I believe were intended for piano students and have lots of pedadodical (sp?) value.

09. Riddler (Ed) - Chelsea Bridge

A nice jazzy little piano-bar-esque number. It’s a piece I’d like to enjoy with a cocktail and possibly a stogie..  Your jazz piano skills are very impressive though! It's not an easy genre.

Some more. It's been great having the time to listen in bigger blocks than I've been able to in the past. It's great music - my favorite music on the web.

1. CarlosCC - Canzone Popolare Beautiful. You did a wonderful job with your extension - brought that simple, lovely, Renassaince music right through the ages. I loved it.

2. jaredm2012 - To Zanarkind This was great! You played it well.

3. cebukid - Bach Invention 1 I like Bach, especially with kids in the background. Well done!

4. Peyton - Message from Space Very atmospheric (pardon the pun). The left-hand jazz rhythm at about 3 minutes that repeats later is way cool. And great energy at around 7 minutes that really sets up the lyrical part that follows. The repeated notes at the end really *are* the sun's rays as it fully rises. Great and creative work.

11. Mr Super-Hunky - Nothing Else Matters You play pieces by people I've heard of but never heard. Great way of making them your own and finding music everywhere. I love the pause before the glissando.

12. Jake S - Prelude no. 4 Always room for Chopin in the recital. I like your control over the dynamics of the left-hand chords.

Gotta get some work done and visit a friend who's in hospice - more tomorrow.

Cathy

_________________________
CathyPractice like you are the worst; play like you are the best - anonymous

I'd like to thank all who took the time to listen and comment on my piece!

Originally Posted By: jazzwee

05. wouter79 - Les Baricades MisterieusesWhat a very wonderful recording quality. No wonder you're able to critique us all on that front, you certainly have it figured out. This is really a pretty piece which I haven't heard before. I said this before, you need to really slow it down to listen to some micro-timing issues. I can sense you controlling rubato but what you're not hearing is the unevenness between the notes. Otherwise very enjoyable!

Thanks jazzwee for your nice feedback and constructive comments. And also again thanks for the more detailed PMs on the micro-timing issue!

Originally Posted By: BenPiano

05. wouter79 - Les Baricades Misterieuses - Very well played! This is an interesting piece - clearly Baroque yet with hints of new age type sounds. Couperin was clearly ahead of his time!

Thanks for the nice feedback! I think Couperin was not aware of new age type sounds In fact I'm also not aware that there is new-age type sounds in my playing, so I'd love to hear a bit more detail on this !

Originally Posted By: aTallGuyNH

05. wouter79 - Les Baricades Misterieuses

Who knows what Couperin intended, but what I heard was a conversation between two people, or perhaps a group of people. Point and counterpoint (as you noted), breaking down barriers to understanding and common purpose. Great job -- it really spoke to me about keeping up the good fight of trying to work things out with people with whom it isn't always easy to do so.

Nice to hear that it worked for you, and also thanks for the details on what these barriers are for you. It is interesting how a single performance can elicit so many different interpretations.

Originally Posted By: Allard

05. wouter79 - Les Baricades MisterieusesI can hear the harpsichord hidden between the notes. Sounds great on piano too.

Thanks for your comments!

Originally Posted By: casinitaly

05. wouter79 - Les Baricades Misterieuses Wouter, well done! I am extremely partial to this type of music and thoroughly enjoyed your performance. I also really love the “voice” of your piano!

Thanks cas for your nice comments and glad that you like the voice that I get out of my piano. I always think that everyone has a different taste but given the amount of positive feedback on my piano sound I may have to reconsider that

Originally Posted By: BeccaBb

Wouter: This is all new to me. A very neat sound to it. I can almost hear the harpsicord in it. Excellent!

Thank you Becca!

Originally Posted By: zrtf90

There is a clear maturity in your fingers and a clearer direction in your choice of material. Those who are taking a classical route are struggling to match the sonority and confidence of those taking a more modern direction where the fingers are free of the more rigorous discipline of classical piano but getting to where you are now, whatever path you've chosen, has taken a resolve that will most likely see you continuing on to the next level.

I would be unable to guess your experience from the quality of your performances but I am sure I would have guessed longer in each case. It took me longer to get where you are now.

LOL thanks Richard, interesting how you answer entire groups of people at once!

>Those who are taking a classical route are struggling to match the sonority and confidence of those taking a more modern direction where the fingers are free of the more rigorous discipline of classical piano

Ummm I'm not exactly sure how to read this. Since my piece is definitely classical, I guess your comment on my piece is that I'm struggling to get sonority and confidence?

Quite a few of the tracks were humbling for me to listen to, and a few were amazing for the years of experience. A LOT of hard work and talent showed in this recital, and I have a lot to learn by continuing to come back to this forum.

My comments may not be as original as the pieces because it was clear that everyone took great care what they submitted, and as a result, everyone did a "good job." Humbled as I am, I don't really feel qualified to judge, but since I wanted to give feedback anyway, I've had to go with my gut. Take it with a grain of salt.

01. CarlosCC - Canzone Popolare (Francia 1500ca) - Original extended cover This is a very nice melody to preserve in the re-telling. It's the first time I have heard it. The left hand of the extension conjures the image of plucked strings, which feels very fitting.

02. jaredm2012 Jared Miller - To Zanarkand Very nice first full piece. The broken chords are very clean for five months playing. If you like Final Fanatasy, also try the prelude from II/VII. I wonder if you tried direct recording.

03. cebukid - Bach Invention 1 in C-Major (BWV 772) Amazing focus through distraction and good balance between the voices. The inventions pay dividends so your "plan to do more" is a wise one.

04. Peyton - Message From Space: Waiting for the Sun Your technique and control are an inspriation, clearly well-earned. The development and textural variations were very nice and would have gone missing without the legth. The word is definitely: awesome.

05. wouter79 - Les Baricades Misterieuses Nice dynamics and breaths.

06. Amaruk - Summer '78 Very good expression and solid left hand. I feel the burn just from watching.

07. dannylux / Mel - Kosenko Consolation Op.9 No.1 Pretty pice. I didn't detect any worry about the arpeggios. The attack on the final chord brought a nice resolution.

09. Riddler (Ed) - Chelsea Bridge The arrangement is full and rich. I definitely got the water part of the picture right down to the current using only ears.

10. timmyab - Arabesque no 1 A nice clean rendition of one of my favorite piano pieces to listen to. Lucky you who get to enjoy playing it like that. I have tried but shelved it to let my technique and psyche catch up. Nice and smooth every time on my favorite figure from bars 6-7 - like snowflakes or misty rain. A little envy is forgiven, right?

11. Mr Super-Hunky - Nothing Else Matters-original cover Well played. The mood was more relaxed than I expected but the arrangement kept my interest throughout a few repeats of the track.

13. Wj3 / Walt - Bethena I love how the piece is matched to the piano. It sounds like you have a good base on which to build the even harder version.

14. ladypayne - Early Winter This grabbed my attention right from the start and then again at the first variation. Listening was lots of fun. I like the form and the variations in color. Great composition.

15. (Was)TrueBeginner - Sandy It's a good name. I feel the rainy mood in the piece.

19. Jazztpt (Russ) - You See Cool, cool, cool. Impressive playing with convincing harmonies and rhythms and a creative composition.

20. Inlanding - Glen - Angle Eye and Morning Greets the New Day Angel Eye had a nice groove - I'd say you play really well with others. Morning... is a convincing picture piece, a picture that is becoming a theme in this recital.

21. Andy Platt - Gavotte and Variations Good job at making it through them all and sensible choices on tempo and ornamentation - no breakneck speed needed.

22. CASINITALY (Cheryl) - Romanza and The Little Music Box Good playing, especially on the music box. Did I hear it being wound?

23. SandTiger - Shimmer Kudos for an original composition after only 8 months of playing. If I understand "no audio feedback," you should find any recording technique that lets you hear yourself.

27. kenjazz (Ken) - Waltz For Debby This really drew me in. Good job at playing, arrangement, and production. I appreciated having the personal context from your comments.

28. MaryBee - Bagatelle No.25 in A minor (Fur Elise) Thank you for the deep study and brave choice of piece. It's clear your practice has been with active mind and ears.

29. Allard - Before the Last Leaf Falls Yes, a lovely piece. Good cantabile for the melody.

30. Jazzwee - Blue Monk This is awesome. It's a treat to have a live performance, the improv is really on, and the voices from the room transport me to the scene.

31. zrtf90 (Richard) - Romance Sans Paroles, Op. 17 No. 3 A great interpretation. I don't know what you mean by "normally a beautiful piece," but this recording IS beautiful and true to my mental model of the piece.

32. TX-Dennis/Dennis Turner - Be Thou My Vision Beautiful. I remember this from boys' choir but your version has a lot more grace and depth.

33. Serge88 - My Way Nice performance, phrased like the lyrics, and with lots of detail.

34. LizAnne - Elegy Op.183, No.2 Well played. I can totally relate to "two years out of every decade;" life has a way of doing that. The volume seems fine through my headphones; maybe it has been fixed since previous comments.

35. MrPozor - The Doll's Funeral Good job with your playing and thanks for doing the video. The piano has a nice tone.

36. lyricmudra - Consolation No. 3 Clearly those lessons stuck with you. I see unwavering balance and composure through difficult material which you have made easy for yourself. Technique, piano, and recording came together into an excellent overall sound quality.

37. TrapperJohn - I'll Be Seeing You A heart-felt performance. Thanks for the background in the comments. This is the first time I have heard this.

38. DadAgain (& DadAgains Daughter) - Rondo Op163 #6 This was lots of fun to listen to. Great cooperation, beat, and dynamics. First attempt at a duet is incredible; it sounds like the last of many. Hats off to you both.

39. Ganddalf - Prelude Op.45 Impressive, skillful playing. It takes a more refined ear than mine to offer any suggestion for improvement. The sound quality of the recording is also great.

40. Sam S - Prelude Opus 28 number 15 (Raindrop) It came out very musical and was a pleasure to listen to.

42. Copper - What a Wonderful World A nice familiar piece. I was happy to hear it.

43. Starr Keys - Broken Hearted Me Thanks for sharing this and for singing, and nice job on the arrangement.

44. Valencia - Work in Progress --Chopin's Etude 25/11 This is a difficult piece to take on but you have still made headway. For big challenges, I have found the back burner to be the efficient road to progress. It's a philosophical question, but my philosophy is that it's great to give these some attention once in a while but damaging to let them own you.

45. jotur/Cathy Turner - Alexander's Ragtime Band I bet this is a real crowd pleaser. "Like a chicken," ha-ha.

46. Coldsalmon - Nocturne in Eb Major, Op. 9 No. 2 I love the piece, and you have done a good job with it. I'm sorry about the storm damage.

49. BillM - When You Wish Upon A Star One of the highlights of the recital for me. It shows lots of skill at vocal, playing, and arrangement.

50. Bessel - The Happy Farmer (Returning from Work), and Wild Horseman It's great that you found the recital a source of motivation. Despite your comment on "less time," I can tell you have practiced these diligently, holding yourself to a high standard.

51. PianoStudent88 - Minuets BWV Anh. 114, 115 Good job working through both of these and playing the whole set. It was well done with secure technique. One nit where it could be my hearing that's wrong - should 115 have trills instead of upper mordents?

52. Mar_red - Dom (Home) / Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - Medley. Dom - nice tune and good reading. Santa - never too early. Both are well played.

53. Sam Rose (Shmuel R) - Solfeggietto (Solfeggio) in C Minor I can tell you put in a lot of practice. Your playing sounded very even to me.

54. Norrec, Tim - Solitude Nice choice of piece. It sounds very nice while still being manageable. Continue to experiment with the pedal until you find a middle ground that convinces you it's the best.

This is my first recital, and I'm happy to have participated. I mostly lurk on the forum but to those who post, thank you. I learn so much and improve my practice just from reading. I was hesitant to submit anything for the recital, but I am glad that I did. It has inspired me to practice more and better.

05 wouter79 Les Baricades Misterieuses, Francois CouperinAnother beautiful piece. It does not sound easy, but you make it seem effortless, wouter. Great job.

Actually it's not so hard once you get the hang of it. I think I worked about 2 months on it. But there is one weird thing with this piece, I always make a fatal flub (requiring me to restart a few measures back, or even totally forgetting a measure or two) if I try to perform this for someone else (luckily not in front of the mic).

Originally Posted By: bessel

05. wouter79 - Les Baricades Misterieuses Thanks for the introduction to Couperin. It's a really pretty piece of music, and you presented it very well. Nice dynamics and tone... I really enjoyed this a lot.

Thanks for the nice feedback!

Originally Posted By: Sam S

05. wouter79 - Les Baricades Misterieuses Excellent job. I think this is your best recital piece yet. Of course, I love this piece. You did a good job on the ornaments and bringing out the inner voices. I do prefer a steadier tempo, but that's your call.

Wow, thanks. The piece is too inviting to vary the tempo. Maybe you should try it

01. CarlosCC - Canzone Popolare (Francia 1500ca) - Original extended coverAmazing performance Carlos…. I love this piece. It is pop music at its best!! I can't believe it is so old!! Let us know if you ever create sheets for this arrangement as it is such a great piece.

02. jaredm2012 Jared Miller - To Zanarkand Oh well, now I understand why all are so impressed with this recital… Amazing Jared. Your performance is very calming. I am not a big gamer but my kids are so I teach our oldest son piano songs from Pirates of the Caribbean and Harry Potter already. Video games seem to be a great channel for piano music these days!!

03. cebukid - Bach Invention 1 in C-Major (BWV 772)Dry run? You don't seem to suffer from the red dot syndrome at all. These pieces are not easy and you pull it off great here!! I love your piano too. The plant in the corner makes for a very cozy setting!

04. Peyton - Message From Space: Waiting for the SunGreat work Peyton! It sure sounds like some kind of space music! Your video also adds a cosmic dimension to the performance. I can see your lovely painted 'wild women' looking up at the UFO that is about to land in Baxter State Park… Thanks for sharing.

05. wouter79 - Les Baricades MisterieusesGreat performance. I am not familiar with this piece but it sure is great!

06. Amaruk - Summer '78 Some of you have asked me what happened in 1978. In the movie that year is special to the main character in two ways. First, this summer his father sadly ran off to the west and left the family and secondly it was the year the first German cosmonaut was sent up to space (Sigmund Jähn onboard Soyuz 31). The software I used for creating this video is called Final Cut Pro X.

LOL thanks Richard, interesting how you answer entire groups of people at once!

>Those who are taking a classical route are struggling to match the sonority and confidence of those taking a more modern direction where the fingers are free of the more rigorous discipline of classical piano

Ummm I'm not exactly sure how to read this. Since my piece is definitely classical, I guess your comment on my piece is that I'm struggling to get sonority and confidence?

I'm not implying you lack confidence or sonority but had you not had to undergo such rigourous technical demands as your piece implies, you might have been able to better match those that haven't in those areas.

I grouped the recitalists in approximate years of experience.

In your group, around three years, the classical players generally face more demanding technical requirements and consequently struggle to keep pace with the overall sound of those who have less severity in their material. These differences sort themselves out over time.

If you look at the next group, all with more than five years experience, you'll find the classical players have caught up and are able to perform with a greater technical facility than those who haven't had that training.

As an example, it's easier to play a chord and make it sound full and rich than to play a varied sequence of notes. The individual fingers need a greater balance in their tonal output to maintain evenness than they do when all fingers are sounding together. The chord has one intensity even if one or two of the notes are louder than the others and gives the impression that the player has greater tonal control. It takes years to balance the fingers well enough to match that effect of chord playing.

You may not remember this but, as an aside, when the Intel 486 chip was in its infancy it appeared that DOS 5.0 ran programs faster than Windows 3.0 because the screen output was smoother. It was several years before the processors were fast enough to make a multi-tasking, graphical enviroment LOOK as smooth as DOS did.

You may deduce from this that it's harder to learn classical piano than pop/rock vamping and it takes three to five years before the classical player 'sounds' as experienced or as competent as the rocker.

In one or two years it would be exceptional for a player to sound as though they'd been playing for three years or more (to an ear as old as mine, at least). After three to five years all the different areas that make up our total sound start to come together. Between five and ten years we develop and mature as players and our own life experiences and our own styles begin to take precedence over our training alone in how we sound. And how we sound has a maturity to it even if we haven't undergone rigorous training.

Once you reach ten years of playing you have a familiarity with the instrument you can't get any other way than spending that time on it. Who you are and how you've spent that time will generally show through. Jazzwee, for example has reached that stage in less than ten years. I have more years of experience than he has but I haven't spent my time as productively but I like to think that I'm still a match for most people with less than that time.

Few of us are exceptional. We all walk by about twelve months and are talking fluently after twenty four, we all take about five years to reach a stage of competence on piano and we all take around ten years to mature on it.

________________________

Were I to comment on each individual performance I would either run out of superlatives or start to regurgitate the same 'wonderful's and 'impressive's for everyone and their meanings would lack lustre. I am seriously impressed by every single performance and I still haven't deleted any from my mp3 player nor stopped listening to them. This has been an exceptional recital.

As usual, I am in way over my head with this group. I like to remind myself and others that the recital is a self-selective group. So while only a few are exceptional pianists, the majority tend to be in the above average group.

On most Internet forums, there are ten readers for every participant. For the recital, I'd guess that about 1% of all those reading the forum regularly are uploading their contributions.

Also many here are passionate about piano. Someone with one year of burning passion can get as far as a someone playing for multiple years with modest interest. When I started eight months ago, I could commit two hours a day. That became one hour, and now it is more like 15 minutes. As one might expect, I find my progress to be a lot slower per day, at 15 minutes a day than when I could do an hour or two hours a day.

As for the couple of questions, yes, I am playing and recording without hearing. I tend to play all the way through that way. When I am listening and recording, I often pause or halt for minor flaws. I don't see this as a big deal for the level I am at. If I didn't mention it in my upload summary, I doubt anyone would pick out my beginner recording and say, "hey that person is recording without listening to their music." I suggest playing with the sound off, as a technique to anyone struggling to memorize pieces.

Thanks for all the uploads and all the comments. I bow to the talent, the above averageness, and most especially the many that are taking the time to listen and comment on every recording.

That's a nice explanation Richard. Each genre has a different focus, at least early on. I think though that it is easier to sound good (to the general person's ear) in Classical than in Jazz. The reason is that in Classical, at least you know what notes you are going to play so there's a chance to practice it. The difficulty on the jazz side is that we don't know what we will encounter technically until we get there. This means that it is hard to encounter all technical possibilities early on.

As we progress, I think you are right that all the roads lead to the same place. Jazzers start to develop technical proficiency after achieving some musical goals (being able to play with the changes).

Now the difference is that early on, in classical, issues like tone, dynamics get more attention and you get judged at achieving skills in these much early on. In jazz, it's more about time/evenness, swing, and generally more about rhythmic control. It's because you can't even play jazz without these.

But in the end it's all needed. Same skills. Just some skills more than others. I still haven't spent time doing octaves and I'm not good at playing legato thirds. Not encountered as much.

BTW - I had a classical technique teacher too. I just don't play a lot of classical music because I suck at reading. I thought the classical teacher was essential. Lots more work to do though!

I ought to say though that I feel reasonably confident I can sound professional at 10 years. A couple more years to go...It's a long haul and there really are no shortcuts.

18. cgyan / Iain - Morning LightThis was so enjoyable! Loved the video and the thought that obviously went into this production. Your piano playing, as usual, is flawless.

19. Jazztpt (Russ) - You SeeYou and your Roland were made for each other. I’m a Roland guy also but mine doesn’t play fast notes as well as yours (I’m sure it’s the piano). Seriously, love the recording and your way cool improvisation. You are among the ABF Jazz Elite.

20. Inlanding - Glen - Angle Eye and Morning Greets the New DayAs with all of your postings, I am always deeply impressed with your skills when I hear you play piano – everything you play is professional quality. I really like the change is tempo and mood between the two pieces.

21. Andy Platt - Gavotte and VariationsI enjoy reading your posts on a wide variety of topics here on Piano World – you are obviously very serious about becoming the best pianist you can be. I’m not really a fan of classical music but I can appreciate the time and effort you have put into your music that resulted in such a fine performance. Very competently played.

22. CASINITALY (Cheryl) - Romanza and The Little Music BoxI enjoyed watching the video that accompanied your submission – particularly the music boxes. You have a very light touch and play with great expression. Well done.

23. SandTiger - ShimmerAn interesting piece with an appropriate title. I admire your ability to compose after such a short time at the keyboard.

windywindy, in Minuet BWV Anh 115, what sound to you like upper mordents are trills done with crap trill technique. I'm not sure why they sound like upper mordents: I'm certainly trying to start them on the note above, and on the beat. But I don't have very much control over their evenness, so I can understand that they may not leave the proper impression of a trill.

Richard, what you say about years of experience and the way classical pianists develop is interesting to me My hope is that more years of experience will improve my playing; my despair is that without a teacher this may not be possible.

17 Monica K. Opening, Philip GlassWhile I am not a fan of Glass, I do hear the windchime like quality you mention. I guess yours are the right hands after all. This sounds exceptionally difficult with all those tricky 3 on 2 rhythms. I wouldn't want to try this one myself.

18 cgyan / Iain Morning Light, John SchmidtIain, you did a wonderful job with this beautiful piece. I really enjoyed your recording. It sounds very professional. Tremendous job!

19 Jazztpt(Russ) You SeeAnother impressive performance, and what a composition this is, Russ. Inspiring to listen to. I am in awe. Truly.

20 Inlanding - Glen Angle Eye and Morning Greets the New DayI like your Angel Eyes improv, but it left me wanting more. The second piece is aptly named. It really does sound like a beautiful sunrise. I definitely enjoyed listening.

21 Andy Platt Gavotte and Variations, Jean-Philippe RameauThis is beautiful, Andy. You play it with feeling and you bring out the various voices in the variations tremendously well.

22 CASINITALY (Cheryl) Romanza and The Little Music Box, Daniel Steibelt, Samuel MaypakarCheryl, these are both nice. I enjoyed the first piece tremendously. The second is not my cup of tea, but it does sound like a little music box.

Congratulations to everyone who submitted a performance as it is getting harder and harder just to keep up with the talent here.

Randomoniously in order:

01. CarlosCC - Canzone Popolare (Francia 1500ca) - Original extended cover Carlos, this was an exquisite piece performed,...well, exquisitely. Very enjoyable to listen to and your playing was once again top notch. Bravo Super-Carlos!

02. jaredm2012 Jared Miller - To Zanarkand This is one of my all time favorite pieces. Your performance may inspire me to re-learn this piece once again. Very nicely played.

03. cebukid - Bach Invention 1 in C-Major (BWV 772) Bach and bathtime! What's not to love in a fun household like that? Pretty impressive invention playing as well.

04. Peyton - Message From Space: Waiting for the Sun This was great to listen too and watch Peyton. Your intensity is unmatched. The anticipation and buildup was perfect for the 2:46 mark change in melody which gave me a chill. I play piano for the thrill. The thrill of the chill! That's what it is all about.

05. wouter79 - Les Baricades Misterieuses Very nicely played Wouter. It is obvious that you are trying your best at...everything. Noticeable attention to detail I'd say. Very nice to listen to.

06. Amaruk - Summer '78 This was a lovely piece in a hauntingly beautiful way. Your playing was equally as nice.

17. Monica K. - Opening This sounded great Monica. Your acoustics are much better than my set up. I always love hearing the resonance of the mighty Masons and this was a beautiful piece to hear it on. A pleasure as always.

18. cgyan / Iain - Morning Light As one of my favorite ABF performers, you have set a very high bar for yourself. I'm a big fan due to the extra amount of emotion you seem to put into every performance. This was no exception.

19. Jazztpt (Russ) - You See Russ, this was just nuts good! I agree with you on the Roland too. What an incredible digital piano.

20. Inlanding - Glen - Angle Eye and Morning Greets the New Day Swingingly delicious intro Glen. You had some incredibly beautiful original melodies right at the transition point that I loved. Well done.

01. CarlosCC - Canzone Popolare (Francia 1500ca) - Original extended cover What a great skill to be learning as you improvise on this theme. Your addition blended so seamlessly with the original. Very nice to listen to.

02. jaredm2012 Jared Miller - To Zanarkand This doesn't sound like someone playing with only 5-months experience. You were certainly dedicated to this piece, to put in the amount of time it must have taken to learn it. Especially nice on the dynamics. I enjoyed listening.

03. cebukid - Bach Invention 1 in C-Major (BWV 772) Sounds great! Nice ornaments, and I like your ending. I'm glad to hear that you too have found Bach to be both challenging and fun!

04. Peyton - Message From Space: Waiting for the Sun Oh wow. This was worth waiting for! But I don't know if that was a sunrise or a supernova. I love the sounds you get from your piano. There are a couple of different moods that this piece takes you through, but the over-arching feeling conveyed through your playing is one of great energy. Love it!

05. wouter79 - Les Baricades Misterieuses This so lovely, I had to listen to it twice. For some reason its simple beauty almost brought tears to my eyes. I like your use of pauses and dynamics, and I think your tempo choice is perfect for this performance. Thank you for bringing Couperin to the recital. I'm off now to look up the sheet music for this...

44. Valencia - Work in Progress A fun start. You'll love hearing this in a couple of years and noting your progress.

46. Coldsalmon - Nocturne Beautifully played. I'm so sorry for your piano, and, I'd guess, most of your other stuff, too. Hope you can put some things back together.

47. windywindy - Love Is All Around Nice to hear an upbeat piece with a driving rhythm. It sounds fun to play.

49. BillM - When You Wish Upon a Star Just terrific. Your stylings are pro and I love your repertoire.

50. Bessel - The Happy Farmer and The Wild Horseman I loved them! I didn't realize I'd recognize them - must hav played them in the long ago and far away. They sound like a challenge when you've not been able to play much, but you did a great job.

51. PianoStudent88 - Minuets Two of my favorites. Nice pacing, and I like the liveliness.

So I'm off to try to get something ready for the next recital. CinnamonBear, from the Pianists Corner, sent me a stack of sheet music. GI Jive looks like a winner. . .

Cathy

_________________________
CathyPractice like you are the worst; play like you are the best - anonymous

Coming from a pro of your rank, this is “wonderful” to hear. Thank you for all your encouragement. I don’t plan on stopping any time soon unless a bunch of people I respect ask me to, since I am finding singing helps a lot with playing by ear; I hear more/better embellishments because I feel it more when I sing. Also, not having to play the melody helps me concentrate more on harmony and rhythm. It’s working out pretty much the way I’d hoped, except that it’s turned out to be more work than less since I’m not a natural at it by any stretch of the imagination. 

Originally Posted By: zrt90

There is a clear maturity in your fingers and a clearer direction in your choice of material. Those who are taking a classical route are struggling to match the sonority and confidence of those taking a more modern direction where the fingers are free of the more rigorous discipline of classical piano but getting to where you are now, whatever path you've chosen, has taken a resolve that will most likely see you continuing on to the next level.

I would be unable to guess your experience from the quality of your performances but I am sure I would have guessed longer in each case. It took me longer to get where you are now.

I was delighted to find myself in the group you’ve placed me in (not so sure they will be, though-lol). I can’t argue with you about the maturity in the fingers and resolve of everyone else in the group . As regards the relationship between quality and experience, I have also felt the same way about several of the people in this group. In my own case, I know the “resolve” part is true, but everything else came as a surprise and delight to hear it applied to me. Thank you. I too found all your group comments most interesting to read.

Very touching and compassionate performances. Good stuff, Bill and Starr Keys.

Since I’ve made no bones about my admiration for BillM’s arranging and vocals, you couldn’t have paid me a better compliment, although again I think most others might find your comparing my ability with his stretching it. But, thank you for the flattering comparison.

Originally Posted By: CasinItaly

43. Starr Keys - Broken Hearted Me Oh, I remember this one. Your background info prompted me to look at the video – the paintings were really lovely ! (I was confused about the carrots though….?) Great job – I’m so impressed by people who can sing and play at the same time. I’ve yet to be able to do it. I wish your sister all the best – she’s certainly been having difficulties!

While I sang and played this all the way through while making the piano recording you heard, my voice and energy was so weak from a cold (I managed to sing the first verse okay, but the increased tempo of the second part required more energy and focus than I could muster and maintain the accompaniment tempo while singing well)so I used the internal digital recording and sang over it again while I recorded with my Zoom--I resung to the entire accompaniment I taped with the internal recorder, that is, not just the part I didn't like.

Thank you for the compliment on my sister’s paintings. She’s only been painting for about as long as I’ve been playing (less than four years), and needs as much encouragement as I do--and I also appreciate your compliment on my work. I think we are both channeling my father who was not only an excellent by-ear musician but a good artist…”the carrots??” – ah, I guess you need more inside info. Both my sister’s husband and boyfriend built garden structures for her, her husband for a magnificent flower garden and her boyfriend for a vegetable garden (both seen in the video). I was thinking of Voltaire and Candide --when fortune robs him of everything once beautiful in life, he says it’s important to just keep tending to our gardens. Also, I think my sister’s an excellent photographer and I didn’t get time to show many of her photographs, and here was an excuse to show one.

Originally Posted By: windywindy

Thanks for sharing this and for singing, and nice job on the arrangement.

Thanks for not telling me not to sing! I appreciate the positive feedback on the arrangement. I worked hard on it to get the quality I wanted to do the paintings the justice I felt they deserved.

Quote:

Ah, a little chanteuse - nice addition to the recital

Thank for the kind words, Cathy.

I am facing another deadline less than a month from now for another (live) recital while nursing a cold, so intrigued by the example of zrt90, I’m going to try my hand at making group comments. If my categories overlap a bit by the time I’m through, please forgive me. Here is the first category:

Popular or New Age from the Sheet:29 Allard 32 Texas Dennis37 Trapper John45 Jotur/Cathy Turner47 Windy-windy

If I could do it as well as you guys, I might play more from the sheet, instead of fashioning arrangements that I could play more easily. You all made even some less than inspired sheet music sound exciting. Allard, you inspired me to pull out my David Lanz collection and look for the piece you played. Windy-windy you made me wonder why I never appreciated that song so much when I heard it played on the Mary Tyler Moore Show. Trapper John, you did a fine job with capturing nostalgia of that World War II classic without making it saccharine and sentimental. As for you, Texas Dennis and Cathy, you are on level of accomplishment with interpreting a score with rhythm, dynamics, and tone that I can only aspire to. Now that’s what I call “maturity in the fingers.”

28. MaryBee - Bagatelle No.25 in A minor (Fur Elise) Clearly, learning piano with a teacher is the way to go. I mangled this one on my own - I really enjoyed your performance of this!

29. Allard - Before the Last Leaf Falls - A nice piece - I can hear how you got into this one. Well done!

31. zrtf90 (Richard) - Romance Sans Paroles, Op. 17 No. 3 - I'm in the process of learning one of Mendelssohn's songs without words. At the intro, I heard a lot of similarity! Of course it differed throughout, and I appreciate how you distinctly brought out the melody!

Ahhhh...nice! DeBussy. I love his work and dare not attempt them myself. You, however, have done nice work on this piece. Your patience and perserverence have paid dividends.

11. Mr Super-Hunky - Nothing Else Matters-original cover

Ahhh...only Mr. S-H can pull off making a old Metallica classic sound, well, "classical". I've liked Metallica since high school, and listen to them to this day whilst running. I may have to add your cover to my running mix tape. Great cover!

12. Jake S - Prelude no.4 in E minor

I love this one from Chopin. You play it very well!

13. Wj3 / Walt - Bethena

The genius of Joplin! Even "simpler" arrangements of his compositions sound great. This particular one still captured the unique 3/4 syncopated rhythm that makes this (master)piece so great. And you nicely captured the melancholy tone that Joplin intended. BRAVO!!